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India U-20 team stun fancied Argentina

Last Updated : 21 September 2018, 11:24 IST
Last Updated : 21 September 2018, 11:24 IST

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India notched up one of its most memorable football triumphs when the country’s under-20 team stunned traditional giants Argentina 2-1 despite being reduced to 10 men in a pulsating contest at the COTIF Cup here.

Deepak Tangri (4th minute) and Anwar Ali (68th) were the stars for the Indian U-20 team Sunday night as the Floyd Pinto-coached side scripted a historic result against the six-time U-20 world champions, coached by 2006 World Cupper Lionel Scaloni and former midfield star Pablo Aimar.

It was a massive boost for Pinto’s side, which had lost 0-2 to Murcia before going down 0-3 to Mauritania. They were held to a goalless draw by Venezuela in their previous match of the tournament.

“This victory will definitely earn Indian Football more respect in the world of football. It opens up a window of opportunity to test ourselves against the best in the World on a regular basis,” Pinto said after the match.

“It’s unbelievable! I am a very proud Indian today.

“This win is a testament to the efforts and belief of the All India Football Federation in moving forward towards developing the youth of the country.

“We have a renewed belief that with the right support & exposure we are capable to compete with the best teams in the world,” he added.

Tangri gave India a perfect start as he headed the ball at the back of the net from a corner taken by Ninthoiganba Meetei in the fourth minute.

Boosted by the early goal, India stepped up the attack and tried to create chances in the first half.

Suresh Singh Wangjam and Boris Singh Thangjam tried to feed Aniket Jadhav with the ball but on two occasions he was adjudged off-side. India led 1-0.

In the second half, Ali squandered an opportunity after he received a pass from captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam but his shot was saved by the Argentine goalkeeper.

India U-20 side was soon reduced to 10 men after forward Jadhav was shown the red card in the 54th minute for a bad foul.

With Argentina trying to make inroads, India goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill pulled off a couple of brilliant saves in the 56th minute and another with his fingertips in the 61st minute.

India continued to look for another goal and a brilliantly struck free-kick taken by Anwar Ali in the 68th gave the Asian side a 2-0 lead.

It was a foul on substitute Rahim Ali which resulted in the set-piece and Ali’s shot hit inside of the woodwork before nestling in the Argentine goal.

Four minutes later, Argentina pulled one back but the Indian colts held their nerves in the remaining minutes to create history on Spanish soil.

Meanwhile, impressed by the performance, the AIFF is planning to send the under-20 team to Croatia for a four-nation football tournament, general secretary Kushal Das said.

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Published 06 August 2018, 17:06 IST

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